Business

Corbett and Waldhelm, new owners of Bluebird Farms

BERLIN—Nancie Corbett enjoyed
working at the nursery at 11207 Racetrack Rd. that is now called Bluebird Farms
so much that she worked for free for a month and a half after the owner retired.

A transplant from Baltimore
County, who has lived in the area for the past 20 years, Corbett worked as a
furniture refinisher and restorer, having done many pieces for the Harrison
Group and the historic Atlantic Hotel. But she is no novice to farming. She
said she comes to her new business venture with 30 years garden and farm
experience.

Corbett bought the farm, the
Gazebo, along with her husband Donnie Waldhelm, who it turns out hails from New
York—from Brooklyn. Waldhelm, who has a background in marketing, was excited
and thought the purchase was a good opportunity, Corbett said.

The Ocean Pines Chamber of Commerce hosted
a ribbon cutting ceremony Oct. 15, to welcome the new owners into the local
business community. The location is less than a mile from Beauchamp Road, right between the Community Church and the Ocean
Pines North Gate directly on Route 589, Corbett said. They still have tomatoes,
she added.

The farm is currently decked out for fall
with an assortment of flowers such as mums, pansies, pumpkins, straw bales and
cornstalks, perfect for autumn decorating. Maryland and Delaware apples are for
sale as well, as are straight-from-the-field onions, potatoes, sweet potatoes
and other fall produce, Corbett said.

The farm also offers a large selection
of fresh herbs—both culinary and medicinal—and Corbett and Waldhelm are
cultivating 25 raised beds on the premises where they are growing wildflowers
and their own fresh herbs. One of the areas that she plans to feature in the
future, she said, is organic produce.

For now, the duo is gearing up for
Christmas, when there is expected to be a huge selection of decorative wreaths
available starting around Thanksgiving, she said.

There will be no need for haggling,
just bring the SUV and roof straps. Corbett said she will be offering fresh cut
Christmas trees for a fixed price of $34.99 and local delivery will be
available.

Next Spring, Corbett is already making plans
to have a variety of annuals and perennials to perk up lawns after the winter
breaks.

For more information on
Bluebird Farms, call 410-208-4475 and keep a check on Facebook. Corbett said a
company page is coming, along with a Web site, in the not too distant future.